Strike funds = worker power

Dear Pamela, Megacorporation Nestlé also owns the coffee chain Blue Bottle―home of some of the best coffee you'll find anywhere, made by knowledgeable baristas. After Nestlé refused to pay these baristas what they're worth, SIX cafés voted to form Blue Bottle Independent Union. But instead of coming to the table and negotiating a fair contract, Nestlé's Blue Bottle bosses are effectively giving workers a pay cut by shutting down a unionized café for unnecessary renovations. Blue Bottle Independent Union is standing united and fighting back, starting with a picket line this Sunday outside the soon-to-be-closed cafe! Can you make a contribution to BBIU's strike fund today? If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your secure donation will go through immediately: Chip in $15 now Chip in $30 now Chip in $60 now Chip in $100 now Chip in $250 now other amount Blue Bottle's decision to renovate this location means that already struggling workers will be facing even tougher times. Blue Bottle has refused to provide guaranteed hours at other stores for displaced baristas, a tip differential, or commuter benefits for workers traveling to other locations during the renovations. This means that baristas across the state will be scheduled for fewer hours and have shrunken tip pools. This is a de facto pay cut being implemented just as baristas have to begin thinking about heating bills. You can support Blue Bottle Independent Union while they picket this weekend by making a contribution to their strike fund. A healthy strike fund gives unionized Blue Bottle baristas the leverage they need to win the contract they deserve, by helping them to withhold their labor while still making rent. In a fight like this, against an opponent like Nestlé, the power to strike is crucial. Can you show Nestlé and Blue Bottle the strength of this worker-led union with a donation to their strike fund today? In solidarity, The Labor Force Paid for by Progress America, a project of Strategy & Hustle   Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Progress America, please click here.